Wendy's Way

Finally...some updated photos of my kids

My kids, love them with all my heart but man they can be very stubborn...certainly didn't get that from me (and I say that with a cheesy grin;-)  I've been wanting to take some photos of them for the longest time but we're always too busy or it's not the right time..you know, never is really right?!  Saturday night I was so tired but I said to the kids "we are doing this...now, before the sun goes down", well of course we were not at all prepared and Lacee had her hair up (her hair is super thick so when it's up there is no fixing it until it's washed) but we worked with what we had and even though I'm not 100% happy and I definitely have to do this again, I did get a couple of "okay" shots.  I lost light very fast (wonder why...maybe because Lacee gave me such a hard time with not wanting to smile?)  Richard is Richard, always willing to pop out that smile for me...anyway, till next time these will have to do.  Hope all is well in your little corner of the world.

 

This one cracks me up...so her.

New Photos

I've been so busy lately, started a new job, kids are just crazy with stuff (which of course means I am crazy with kid stuff) I haven't been able to jump online much at all lately.  I have some new photos that I'd like to share though.  These are just a couple of my current favorites;

This first one is my cousin and his son, he is a single dad and I'm going to frame this shot (with the quote) and give it to him for Father's Day.

This second shot is just Richard at a local park, love this little guy!!

Quickest Mini Photo Shoot Ever

So we're driving home from my son's football game this morning and my daughter's "boy friend" is with us (notice the way I spaced that;-).  I had to drive by this place I've been wanting to stop at and do a photo shoot for so long, so I just pull over.  I say to the kids, "out of the car and smile" - lol...they were so good, really being cute and just letting me snap a couple of photos to see how the spot would work out and if I wanted to consider taking some clients there in the future.  I love the spot, nothing around, nothing to try and avoid while shooting the photos, you know, really nice.  It was so cold though and a bit muddy, but I know I'll be going back soon....here are just a few shots that I did up very quickly so I could send them home with her friend; 

fun fun fun...so cute aren't they!

Here are some other fun shots I've been wanting to share.  My son is on the "Dream Team" at karate, he loves it.  He gets to preform in front on all the kids that are testing, and of course anyone else that comes to watch the show.  He is one of the youngest on the team.  To get on this special team you need to pass three tests I believe, he did is pretty quickly because he was so determined to make this team.  Now he performs every month.  They do this cool show and part of it is they all line up and do a flying side kick to break some boards.  My little guy was the first to go since he's the youngest/smallest on the team for this particular performance.  So he goes, breaks his board and all the kids ohhh and ahhh...talk about a confidence builder.  Then, after he does it he "goes down" and the next kid jumps over him.  Now my son has also been the second child to go (never the third yet though) and he's had to jump over a kid too, it just depends on who is the smallest at the time of the show, lol.   Here are  a couple of shots from the last show...keep in mind that I blurred out all the faces for privacy. 

This is Richard waiting for the next kid to jump.....

This is just to give you an idea of what happens...they end up with a lot of kids on the floor - lol!!
My son now has his brown belt because he was able to test last weekend.  I can't believe he almost has a black belt, what an accomplishment! 

Anyway...better get some sleep, I told the kiddies they could have some friends over tomorrow for the Super Bowl so I have a lot of "cooking" to do!  Have a great night.....
xxoo
Wendy

So busy, I guess the holiday season is here...

Yes, it's the busy time of year when the little ones get excited and the big ones go crazy, lol!  I have to say that I'm one very lucky lady these days.  My photography has taken a turn and is really picking up.  I have four shoots this weekend!!  FOUR!  I am in the processes of proofing three and am loving this!  I hope it keeps up, my goal is to have two a month.  I know the winter months will be hard because really, who wants to be outside having their photo taken?!  Of course I can still do natural light inside, some of my favorite shots are near a nice window with wonderful light coming in but again, it's cold and most people don't think of a family photo shoot in the winter. 

Anyway, I made up some simple holiday card designs, I think I'm going to do up a couple more, one for pets and one for a new baby - we'll see.  I have a ton of work to do this week....here are the digital cards I have so far;

A couple of these designs are from last year but they are popular ones so I kept them in this year's selection.  I really want to do up more but I just don't know if time will allow that or not...

Oh, I also wanted to let those of you that are waiting on raks know that ALL packages are going postal tomorrow.  Thank you for your patience, I really appreciate it!  I tossed in some extra goodies too! 

Nite nite......

Fall Is the Best

Oh I just love fall....it's perfect weather, the colors are amazing and it just makes me happy.  We stopped by the orchard last week which is five minutes from home literally.  We tend to stop there often in the fall for fresh apples, cider and donuts...the other day we had Cooper with us and he loved every minute of it...of course I didn't see the "no pets" sign until we left...whoops.  I did manage to get a few shots though...........

ps; the strap around Coop's nose is called a "gentle leader", it's pretty neat, stops him from pulling and it won't harm is neck if he pulls, like a normal leash would do.  I actually prefer the harness myself, but my daughter really thinks it's a great system so she uses it all the time.

 

My first Wedding

and probably my last, ha ha!  It was very different.  I liked it, but it was hard, a long, long day.  It was stressful too and it's not like it's over, lots and lots of proofing time....just so different.  I may do another one....some day. 

Here are a few of my favorite shots, she was such a calm, relaxed and just beautiful bride.  I had a blast working with her and her amazing family.  These are a few of the conversions I did for her....

we didn't really have a special place to go for photos so this was it.  It worked though...just wish that the guests had some other place to go, it was tough with everyone around me taking photos, lol!!

Proud Mom Moment

I just got this photo in the mail the other day and I couldn't be happier.  Brought back those fun summer memories.  Lacee has done so well with riding this past year, she's come so very far.  I wrote all about the CHJA Medal Finals already but this photo makes me so proud I had to share it.  Thanks for checking it out!

Sorry so short tonight...I have so much to do...yeah, yeah, I know I always say that!  I just finished proofing a mini photo shoot of a car...this car was pretty cool too let me tell you, didn't talk back, didn't move around, and looked amazing in every shot.  I think I'll try and do more of them!  ha!!!
Here is one of my favorite shots from the shoot------------->

Ohhhhhh...and I also did another doggie shoot!  I actually had to do this one twice because I lost all of the photos when my pc crashed.  Here are a few of my favs ...these two were so cute, but let me tell you, it's hard to pose a big dog and a little dog!!

nite nite!

Never Forget

This is a photo that is used a lot on the web, I'm sorry but I do not know who took it to give the credit, I just think it's very beautiful and appropriate to post today.  As I drove my son to school I listened to the radio, I heard many, many family members of the victims speaking about how much they miss their loved ones and how they were taken from them much too soon.  It's been six years but yet it seems like yesterday, there are still construction machines at ground zero, the work will never be done, we will never, ever forget....9-11.  Each person who was taken has a special story all their own, I just wish we could hear them all.  God Bless.

Photography Stuff

Well I'm finally really into proofing my first wedding shots.  I have to say that I'm really happy with them!  I was actually very nervous about the whole thing but it went pretty well.  She was a beautiful bride so that helps a lot.  I'll share some of my favs soon.

I had fun playing today, I did my very first ever "jump" shots!  I have to say I'm loving these and I know I'll be doing more and more!  They really are just F U N!  You can't go wrong really - well as long as your camera settings are right - ha ha!  I was at the local skate park today with my little guy and it was so hot, so my mom (who lives right around the corner) brought us some water, my Godchild and her sister just happened to be with my mom - so they were my lucky subjects (beautiful, beautiful girls really, so photogenic!)  Check these out............>>>>>

So next time you are taking a shot of someone, ask them to jump!  I bet you get great smiles and a great photo you'll cherish forever!

Great Photography Tip! Make them Smile!

One of the best photography newsletters I receive is called Photojojo, it's awesome.  They send out the coolests tips, very different, I just love it so much and the tip in today's newsletter just had to be shared.  I can't tell you how many times I've had a little one that just was so shy and no matter what I did to try and make them laugh or even just smile, I got nothing.  Or...I would get the cheesy teeth grin, errrr!  This little trick has to work well, it just has to.  If you do it I'd love to see how your shot turned out.  I'm going to give it a try too, I'll post some photos soon, which I know I'm way overdue on anyway.  I've been proofing a wedding so I'll share some of those very soon, and my next shoot is once again of our furry friends.  This should be a fun one though, it's of a Golden Retriever and a little Toy Chow (I think it's a chow...she said some type of toy breed, very little though) but it should make for a very interesting photo shoot.  I'll let you know how I make out.....for now here's the awesome tip:

Attach a PEZ dispenser to your camera.  Yes, that's it.  Pretty darn simple isn't it!  AND the best part is that the PEZ dispenser still works!  You can promise your subject a sweet treat if they give you a good smile:-)  Pick up a few different dispensers, I'm sure one will do the trick.  Here's what it should look like and instructions are posted HERE - have fun!!!

Maternity Shoot

Had my first maternity shoot a while back.  I did this session as a portfolio building session so I am happy to say I finally was able to finish proofing and uploading it today.  These two were so sweet, I heard that she just had her baby on Friday!  How exciting!!!  I wish them the best with their new baby girl. 

Here are some of my favorite shots from the session.....

Thanks for stopping by and peeking at my work!  I hope you have a super Monday night....me, I'm off to scrap and plan some big contests for my own blog and for the Paper House blog....check back soon for more details!!

Baby Shoot

Whew...just finished proofing an infant shoot I did a few weeks ago.  I've been so darn busy that I haven't had much time for anything.  Next I have a maternity one to tackle but first lots of other things to finish and to start.  Here are a few of my favs, hope you like them!  This little guy is just adorable!

 

Cool Frame Technique!

I started receiving a really cool photography newsletter a while back from Photojojo, the amazing Ali E. suggested it on one of her blog posts.  It's the best newsletter that I receive period.  They send out some really cool things, very fun, very different, which is hard to find these days.  Anyway, the article in today's newsletter was about the good ole Etch a Sketch, remember those?  I think my kids may have one or they did and I have since tossed it out, hope I didn't though so I can finish this up.  Basically you take a photo and make it look like an Etch a Sketch, then print it out on some special paper and pop it under the plastic of the Etch a Sketch toy and use it as a frame.  It really looks like you drew the photo - fool your friends and family, I know I will!!  Here is the link for complete DIRECTIONS - have fun!!!!

Here is my original photo

(yes, I know this needs a defog badly - lol!)

and here is my "Etch a Sketch" drawing....errr...photo editing:-)

Pretty neat huh!  I can't wait to pop this into an Etch a Sketch toy and use it as a frame.  The only thing I added was my initials, I just used the "pencil tool" in Adobe Photoshop.  Can you tell I wanted to play this morning?!

Have a great day!!!

Infant Shoot

Ohhh...I think I found a new passion.  This was so much fun.  I couldn't stop playing with him though, lol!  He was such a cutie and so beautiful, really makes me want another.......sigh.  I took about 200 shots today and only proofed about ten so far.  I'll share more soon, but here are a few for now. 

Photography Postcards

Well I have made a huge decision to really try and promote my photography business to the fullest.  I have been really bad about getting my name out there, just really haven't had the time.  The few photo shoots I do I just love, love so much that I want to do this more if I can.  My sister is going to help me, she's pretty great at marketing ideas so with her help I think this will be a good thing.  I finally finished up my postcard (I think, this is like the fifth version...sigh...just can't seem to nail this).  I have two actually, I have one for pets only - I used all the pets in our family instead of pets from photo shoots I've done, I just think it's cute.  Although....Cooper's photo is not on the card, hope to change that soon!  Here is what I have come up with...

Regular Photography Postcard

Both cards are printed on real 4x6 photo paper, they look really nice. 

Pet Photography Postcard

That's it for today - I'm really trying to finish up my ribbon class project and I have a few things for Paper House  that I'm working on, very exciting too actually!  I hope to share it with you soon.  I also have to finish up and post the "project of the week" for the new Paper House Productions Blog, if you haven't check it out yet you really should.  We have an amazing design (and even past team member projects are posted), really great projects you don't want to miss.  Fun challenges and soon I'll be posting lots of run rak give-a-ways and just lots and lots of great things.  Happy Monday!

xxooWxxoo

Fun with Photos!

Once in a while I do a bit of blogging, which I totally love!  I love reading new things, finding great sites and just relaxing.  One photographer that is tops is Tara Whitney (like you didn't know that right - lol!)  I really try to keep up with her blog, just to see her amazing photos, but she always has something fun posted.  She posted this really cool and FREE photo editing site.  Just for the heck of it I gave it a go.  I have Adobe Photoshop but for those who don't, this site is pretty cool.  Check it out, it's called picnik, here is a photo that I edited (basically just changed to sepia and then used their vignette feature.)  not bad for free!

Original Photo (my kiddies sharing a pool side secret;-)

Edited Photo - Saved BACK to my PC

I uploaded my full res version too and it was very quick, I did resize this one down a lot to post here.  Not too bad though....

Off to the barn yet again.  Lacee has taken an interest in a little jumper pony and is actually showing her tomorrow.  She's been riding her almost every day for the past few weeks.  The other new pony that I posted pics of (Pepper) is awesome and we still will most likely go forward with him, but this little Cece pony (who is soooo cute!  I'll post pics of her soon)  was just thrown into the mix and they really clicked.  I wish we could afford her but I know that's not going to happen.  She's more of a show pony than Pepper and needs to go go go.  Lacee doesn't show too much which is okay, makes the shows she does that much more special -  right?!  With something like this I think we just have to live in the "NOW" factor.  I'm sure it will all work out though, it always does...isn't it funny how that happens;-)  Happy Friday!

Busy time of Year!

I had a last minute photo shoot and rush order for some holiday cards.  I actually ended up printing them myself and she is VERY happy with them.  I'm super excited too because she (the client) told me that she showed lots of her friends and that they want me to do their familes too.  Yeah - let the booking for 2007 begin! 

Here are a few of my favs from the shoot (she gave me permission to share them) and her holiday cards - I did two designs, she picked the cream colored one, I love them both actually.  What cute kids she has! 

(this one just has a black border for posting...it's all white though)

Misc Stuff

So much going on.  This is the busiest time of year and every year I swear I'm going to do it differently.  HA!  So, my list today is as follows;

1.  Christmas Cards - write and send

2.  Make up teacher gifts (I'm making them all mini altered clipboards, but just decoupaged, nothing too fancy, this way they can use them, not hang them.  I have a lot to make too, my daughter is in middle school this year and has like eight teachers!  Plus we give to the PE, Art, Library, Computer and Music teachers...yes, I'm crazy!)

3.  Bake cookies - I have to bake spritz cookies, peanut butter, chocolate chip, sugar and a few other goodies, I'll be sure to share some recipes, the spritz cookies are amazing!

4. Christmas shopping, okay here's the thing, I've ordered a couple of things online, but I have nothing done so far.  I've been super busy with photo shoots/editing and designing cards that I haven't had time to shop.  I need to do the mall a few times this week for sure.  To top it all off, my daughter informs me that she's exchanging with about ten or so girls???!!!  What!  She said, "mom, so and so is buying me a gift so I have to buy her one", I was okay with this until about the tenth time she said it....what is up with that!

5.  Take Cooper to the vet again...he's due for more puppy stuff.

6.  Decorate the tree, we just got it yesterday and the kids are anxious to decorate, so that will be done one night this week.  Tonight is gymnastics so probably not tonight, we'll see though.

7.  Grocery shop for the holiday dinner.

8.  Make cupcakes (and buy the stuff) for my son's party.  I'm the "craft mom" for the day too.

9.  Wrap all the gifts.

10. In between all of this stuff I still have to take the kids to their regular activities, go to a bunch of holiday parties, and of course bring/bake something for the parties. 

11.  Finish proofing and printing/ordering prints for all clients.

Wow - it's already starting isn't it...yup, two weeks before Christmas! 

Here is what I did last night....I designed five different cards using a favorite photo from a photo shoot I had a few weeks ago.  They loved all five so I just mixed them up and printed them all out for them.  Very happy, which is a good thing.

This is my favorite one out of them all.

These are my sister's dogs, aren't they cuties!  I did a photo shoot for them a few weeks ago, I'm going to have professional prints made up for them for Christmas....which reminds me, I better order them (still have to finish proofing though...sigh...)

That's it for now!  I'm off once again!  Happy Monday!!

Busy Sunday

Today is like every other day here, super busy, but all in a good way.  I had a photo shoot this morning and the client wanted only extreme close ups of her kids.  She had a beautiful setting too, her house and landscaping was incredible, I could have done so much more, but I didn't.  I took a lot of shots, all up close and personal.  The kids were great too.  I told them to think of the funniest thing they could, that got them both laughing!  They wouldn't share their secret with me though (but mom did!)  Too cute!  I think I'll use that trick again next time....now I have to proof these by Wednesday, she also requested a holiday card, so that will need to be designed as well.  I'm finishing up another holiday card order and then I think that's it for the holidays.  Until next year!

I'll share the photos when and if I can.  We are now off to get our Christmas tree...we cut it down ourselves, fun fun fun!  Happy Sunday everyone!!

Busy Busy Busy

Yes, the holidays are my favorite time of year but can they be any busier?  I don't think so!  With so much going on, and with the loss of our sweet Dawson, things haven't been too cheerful around here.  It's like something is missing, we come home to nothing and it really sucks!  (Excuse my wording but that's just how it is, terrible really).  My husband was being a real meanie too....saying things like "we are NOT getting another dog" - "don't even ask" - "why bother talking about it the answer is no"....but come on, we all know that is just a war he is not going to win in this family.  We are and always will be animal lovers, we need a dog, period.  So, off to do my homework, what kind of dog....yes, I loved Dawson our Golden Retriever so much, even though I had to vacuum everyday, sometimes twice a day and grooming was very hard too, we loved him and took care of him, we did not, however, do our homework before buying him, this time is different.  We have done a lot of research and have finally narrowed it down to one dog.  A Rhodesian Ridgeback it will "hopefully" be.  We picked, well, my husband picked, three breeds to check out, the Ridgeback, a Boxer and a Great Dane (don't ask!)  We all decided on the Ridgeback.  I have been making several phone calls because now my husband says, "if we don't find one by Christmas we'll have to wait until spring" - oh honey, don't you know I just love a challenge!!  ha ha!  insert evil grin;-0    So these dogs, as they are called "The Lion Dog" or "The dog with a snake on it's back" (because it has a really cool ridge going right down it's back, all the hair goes one way and the ridge goes the opposite, pretty neat, why do they call it a lion dog?  Well they come from Africa and will "charge a pack of five lions", scary huh?  Well yes and no, they are one of the best family dogs you can own...that is what we are so attracted to this dog, okay,  that and the short hair, hardly no barking and doesn't shed much at all, yes, those are good traits to have too;-) 

So as I continue to search for our next family member, wish me luck!  I need to find one (and it can't cost us $2,000 like one lady asked for!!) by the holiday....tick tick tick...time sure has a way of rushing by!  Oh we want a male, and we already have a name for him...Simba (hence the lion/Africa part:-)

EDITED to ADD...well, I've come to the conclusion that this breed is just not for us....maybe when my dh and I are older (and the kids are grown) but for now...I think we need to look at these guys more;

sooooooo cute!!!!

One another note, check out these sweet pups!  I did some fall photo shoots and finally got back a release form so I can post!  I also did the shepards and the pug this past weekend....hope you like them!  These are just a few of my favs!  Happy Tuesday!!

he he - my sister said this one looked like the Grinch!

and some from my fall shoot at the animal hospital, I've only gotten one release back so far, I hope to get more soon so I can share!

The Harvest Moon

I'm so happy with this shot, I actually got a few good ones.  I did a little research before trying to shoot the moon though, the settings I used are recommended by National Geographic, they are:

Manual Mode

f/8

ISO 100

lens I used was my 75/300 with image stabilizer

No flash

Metering Mode was set on Partial

Beautiful moon indeed....love fall, I love everything about it!

Okay so my photo shoot, it went VERY well, except for one thing.  As one of the clients left they forgot to close the gate (we were in the back inside a fenced in area so the dogs couldn't get out.  Well one did, she bolted too, there is a main road right there and of course she went right for it. Thank goodness the cars all slowed down and she didn't get hit, but she really could have, the cars go very fast on this road.  It was very scary, but other than that it went pretty well.  I'm not thrilled with ALL of the photos but I'm happy with most of them (and I have to say thank goodness for Photoshop! ha ha!)  I didn't get them to sign release for ms yet but I will try to do that so I can post some of the photos.  For now I'll share my shot of the "doggie bags" I made.  I put some dog treats inside and a coupon for 20% off a future photo shoot.  I then stapled my business card on, set up a little table with a cute basket and some flower and my little portfolio album was tucked inside for them to peek at.  It went very well, two of the families want me to do family portraits at their home.  Anyway, it's late, school and more work tomorrow.  Have a super night!

Photo Update

I'm super excited, I have a few more clients lined up,  people wanting to do a photo shoot for their upcoming holiday card.  I have to design a few cards and once I do I'll post them.  Here is my photography postcard, finally finished it!  Happy middle of the week!!

xxooWendyxxoo